37: Rheumatologic conditions
Evaluation of arthritis/arthralgia History Check the nature of onset – is it acute or insidious? Acute onset monoarticular arthritis associated with fever is septic until proved otherwise. Check the timing…
23: Dermatologic conditions
Vesiculobullous rashes Vesicles are usually caused by infections (herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), enterovirus, tinea, scabies or impetigo) or contact dermatitis. Also, consider drug reactions and erythema…
25: Endocrine conditions
Type 1 diabetes mellitus Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by either: Random blood glucose >11 mmol/L, or Fasting blood glucose >7 mmol/L. Note: There is no need for oral glucose tolerance…
1: Medical emergencies
Cardiorespiratory arrest Cardiorespiratory arrest may occur in a wide variety of conditions that cause hypoxaemia or hypotension, or both. Examples include trauma, drowning, septicaemia, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and…
14: Developmental delay and disability
Developmental surveillance Developmental surveillance is a flexible continuous process of skilled observation as part of providing routine health care. It should occur opportunistically whenever a child comes into contact with…
12: Sleep problems
Sleep physiology Sleep is a major challenge to the respiratory system, because it causes changes in respiratory mechanics and control of breathing leading to: Decreased ventilation. Decreased functional respiratory capacity…
24: Ear, nose and throat conditions
Upper respiratory tract infections The average child has 4–12 upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) a year, the peak incidence being between 1 and 6 years. Risk factors include exposure to…
2: Poisoning and envenomation
Poisoning Background Poisoning during childhood occurs mainly among 1–3 year-olds and tends to follow the ingestion of one of a wide variety of agents improperly stored in the home. It…
18: The death of a child
Before death Often the death of a child can be anticipated. Although hospital admission is frequently necessary, most children and families wish to spend as much time as possible at…
9: Immunisation
Vaccination technique It is important to minimise anxiety, distress and pain associated with injected immunisations. Use age-appropriate pain-reduction techniques; refer to chapter 4, Pain, p. 61. These might include: –…
